Did you know the fact that Uttar Pradesh is one of the unique states of India that has a huge diversity? One of the reasons for this is its huge area and multiple communities deeply rooted here. Visiting Uttar Pradesh to learn about its culture and tradition is like entering an all-new destination. This is also because the population of Uttar Pradesh is also extensive. This colorful state is known for its multiple cuisines and ancient or historical heritages.
But this blog will focus on the interesting, elegant, and simple attire worn by females and males of Uttar Pradesh. So let’s take a dive into the cultural understanding and the knowledge of traditional clothes of the state in this blog.
Below are 10 common traditional dresses of Uttar Pradesh
1. Sherwani
Okay, so we are starting this blog with an attire that has a strong connection with Lucknow- the capital of Uttar Pradesh and that attire is Sherwani. This is one of the most popular dresses that we can see grooms wearing in today’s time on their big day. But do you know, sherwani was an attire of Nawabs. One that Muslims still love wearing just casually. It is true that we have a lot of variety and options in today’s world, but Sherwani was in a way invented and extensively worn in Lucknow and many other parts of UP.
This attire was initially made in a simple manner because it has always been a symbol of royalty and elegance with simplicity. Block and dark colors are common picks for people. But you get a lot of options. This is a long coat-like garment which is worn with a salwar or pajama.
2. Kurta Pajama
You might have seen this traditional attire of UP to be popular in many other states too! It’s true that Kurta Pajamas are worn in multiple parts of the country and you will see the similarity of this fashion in a lot of senses. Kurta-Pajama is one of the most popular and comfortable combinations. Where Kurta is a long, usually straight and solid colored collarless or color shirt; the pajamas are of various types. Some are chust (leg hugging) and some of them are loose.
Kurtas are made of cotton and silk- mostly and the embroidery is done amongst which the popular one is Chikan. You get to see a lot of variety and diversity in this complete attire.
3. Saree
Like many other states of India, the traditional dress for females in Uttar Pradesh is saree. It won’t be wrong to say that this is an attire of the nation. Where women from all the states have some or the other type of saree to wear. And this attire needs no description. But for those who are still unaware; this is a garment that is draped around the waist to cover the bottom part of the body.
Then there is a pallu that is taken and pinned on the shoulder. The size, style, color, and other constituents vary in this. And mostly you will see married women wearing a saree in UP. In some places, it is a mandatory thing for married ladies to wear saree.
4. Lehenga
Just like Sherwanis have become a thing for grooms, Lehenga is one attire that you will see in almost all the weddings of UP. Not only does the bride look elegant and amazing in this attire but it also gives them a complete look on one of the most important days of their life. Now, there are multiple designs and other elements in this attire.
Where some just wear the Lehenga Choli, others also take a dupatta of varying sizes to complete their look. Also, depending on the event a girl wears a lehenga, and there are jewelleries that go along.
5. Salwar Kameez
This again is a traditional dress of Uttar Pradesh for females and it needs no description. This is one of the most popular and commonly worn attire in India. Women love to wear this because of its comfort and diversity. In this attire, there is a Kurta, a pajama, and an optional dupatta. If you talk about traditional attire- a dupatta is compulsory but in today’s world women at times prefer not to take a dupatta for the look purpose.
Now, coming onto the attire’s material- there are a number of options that are available in the market. And you will get to see many of these in UP itself. From silk to cotton to other materials- all of them are popular and have their purpose. The same goes for the design, print, color, style, and other elements of the attire.
6. Dhoti Kurta with Turban
Talking about the traditional clothes of men in Uttar Pradesh- there is no chance that we can neglect or forget the popular and common Kurta, dhoti, and turban. Okay, so this is a complete attire and people from secluded areas, villages and small towns still wear this attire. It is comfortable, easy to wear, and looks elegant as well. Majorly you get to spot old men wearing this attire but there are some young people too who can be seen wearing this.
7. Gamjha
Gamjha is not an attire but a side use item. It is used by men of Uttar Pradesh and many parts of the country. You will see people from Haryana, South Indian States, and Bihar- having this one on their shoulders or around their necks. It not only works as a side use but can also be tucked around the head to make a turban. There is a huge variety of Gamjha that’s available in the market. But initially, it was a distinguishing factor between the lower and upper caste people. Then it became a must thing for zamindars and Seths. And now, anyone who likes can wear it.
8. Churidar
Churidar, a prominent traditional attire in Uttar Pradesh, consists of a long, gracefully designed tunic called a Kurta, paired with Churidar pants. What sets Churidar apart are its tight-fitting, elongated trousers with multiple pleats and gathers at the ankles, creating a distinctive and charming appearance. This ensemble is renowned for its versatility, making it suitable for both casual and formal occasions. Available in a spectrum of fabrics, colors, and decorative elements, Churidar outfits effortlessly blend the rich heritage of Uttar Pradesh with contemporary fashion trends, making them a popular choice for everyday wear, festivities, and cultural events in the state.
9. Anarkali Suit
The Anarkali Suit is a resplendent and timeless traditional attire, beloved in Uttar Pradesh. This outfit comprises a long, flowy frock-style top with a fitted bodice, often featuring intricate embroidery, beadwork, or sequins. The Anarkali Suit is paired with Churidar pants or leggings, creating a regal and graceful look. It draws inspiration from the Mughal era, reflecting the state’s historical and cultural richness. This ensemble is popular for weddings, festivals, and special occasions in Uttar Pradesh. Its majestic design and luxurious fabrics, such as silk and chiffon, make the Anarkali Suit a symbol of elegance and femininity, resonating with the traditional fashion sensibilities of the region.
10. Lucknawi Chikan Kurta
The Lucknawi Chikan Kurta is a quintessential traditional garment from Uttar Pradesh, specifically Lucknow. This exquisite attire features intricate Chikan embroidery, a delicate and artistic hand-embroidery technique that adorns the Kurta, a long tunic-style top. Chikan’s work is characterized by its finely detailed patterns, creating a unique blend of elegance and sophistication. The Lucknawi Chikan Kurta is typically made from light, breathable fabrics like cotton or georgette, making it perfect for the region’s hot and humid climate. This attire represents the rich heritage of Lucknow and showcases the craftsmanship and artistry of the local artisans while offering comfort and style for casual and semi-formal occasions.
Conclusion
We hope you might have got a few new ways to wear the already-known attire. Or you might have come across a few new types of clothes already. Whatsoever, this blog might have given you an insight into how diverse and interesting the traditional clothes of UP are, be it for men or women. There are many other clothes for the bride and groom as well. So, try out any of this attire to either wear the way people do in the state or to create a fusion of your own with modern-day attire.
Traditional dresses of Assam | Traditional dresses of Rajasthan
Traditional dresses of Karnataka | Traditional dresses of Tamil Nadu
Traditional dresses of Punjab | Traditional dresses of Sikkim
Traditional dresses of Manipur | Traditional dresses of Odisha
Traditional dresses of Uttarakhand | Traditional dresses of Maharashtra
Traditional Dresses of Andhra Pradesh | Traditional Dresses of Goa
Traditional dresses of Nagaland | Traditional dresses of Himachal Pradesh
Traditional dresses of West Bengal | Traditional dresses of Haryana
Traditional dresses of Bihar | Traditional dresses of Mizoram
Traditional dresses of Jammu and Kashmir | Traditional dresses of Kerala
